RVIA Economic Impact Study

The Recreation Vehicle Industry Association commissioned an Economic Impact Study on the RV industry, released on June 7, 2016. The study found that the RV industry contributes about $49.7 billion in economic output or 0.28 percent of the Gross Domestic Product. Through its production and distribution linkages, the industry impacts firms in 426 of the 440 sectors of the United States economy.

Nationwide, the industry is responsible for 216,170 jobs, both directly and inderectly, creating an economic impact of $37.5 billion. The full study results, along with each individual state and congressional district's economic impact is available on the website by clicking here .

Manufacturer Plans Fifth Wheels for Funerals

Thu Nov 29, 2018Author: RV News Staff

An Elkhart County manufacturer plans to build fifth wheels for use in the funeral industry. Coasson Inc. recently demonstrated its aluminum-framed, fiberglass product in Wakarusa, Ind., according to WNDU-TV in South Bend, Ind.

"The company plans to set up a production facility in Wakarusa to build the hearse,” Coasson President Ron Stoll says.

The cost of the Coasson unit is about $32,000, which Stoll says is about $100,000 less than other funeral coaches. The Coasson has been under development for the past four years and has available for use over the past six months, WNDU reported.

In a Facebook post, Coasson reported that the vehicle received a positive response at a recent National Funeral Directors Association conference.

The version Stoll demonstrated in Wakarusa had a custom iPad pocket where scrolling photos could be displayed. The unit could also be decorated with a variety of military, religious and first responder emblems.

“The exciting thing is that this opens up a whole new market for our economy, using the resources of the community,” Stoll says.